JBSB aims to champion development of young musicians

Jamaica’s Best School Band (JBSB) has an ambitious vision for the future — to become for young Jamaican musicians what the annual Boys' and Girls’ Championships has become for the country’s track and field athletes. As the competition prepares for its 14th season, organisers say JBSB is increasingly looking beyond the stage and competition to play a greater role in developing music programmes in Jamaican schools and creating pathways into the creative industries. “The best way to sum it up, we have no doubt that with continued support JBSB can be to music what Boys' and Girls' Champs is to track and field,” said JBSB representative Rayven Amani. She believes one of the major challenges facing music education in Jamaican schools is access. “One of the biggest challenges facing music programmes in Jamaican schools is access — to instruments, resources, trained personnel and consistent opportunities for students to develop their skills,” Amani said. She noted that music programmes must often compete with other priorities for limited resources, while some parents, students and administrators may not immediately see how participation in a school band can lead to a sustainable career. Exposure to the professional music industry is another area JBSB hopes to address. According to Amani, young musicians need to learn much more than how to play an instrument. They also need knowledge of performance, professionalism, intellectual property, the music business and the range of careers available throughout the creative economy. JBSB’s school tour is expected to play an important role in that effort by bringing professional musicians, educators and industry practitioners directly into schools for mentorship, training and workshops. The organisation is also seeking practical ways to assist schools that lack adequate resources. Ena Barclay Academy will become the first school to receive instruments from JBSB during Season 14. Amani said the initiative represents the organisation’s desire to go beyond discovering talented students and help create an environment in which that talent can develop. JBSB also plans to engage school administrators to gather information about existing music programmes, available resources and the challenges schools are experiencing. “JBSB cannot solve all the issues on its own, but can be a catalyst,” Amani said. Season 14 is also expected to bring greater visibility to participating schools and musicians. The Reggae PR Agency, headed by veteran Jamaican music publicist Ralston Barrett, has joined the initiative as its public relations partner. Amani said the partnership should result in greater exposure for JBSB and its competitors throughout the season, alongside what she anticipates will be another round of outstanding performances. With entries scheduled to close on October 22, Amani is encouraging school bands and young musicians to seize the opportunity. “Talent is the starting point. You will also need discipline and dedication. Put in the work, cooperate with your music teachers and band directors, and the stage will be yours,” she said. For JBSB, however, Season 14 is only another step towards a much larger goal — building a nationally recognised platform capable of identifying, developing and showcasing Jamaica’s next generation of musicians.